Trail Etiquette

Passenger vehicles, construction equipment, and log trucks may drive on the forest roads at any hour every day of the week.

What can you do to prevent accidents and ensure your enjoyment of McDonald Research Forest? You can yield right of way, protect yourself and others, practice good stewardship, and protect natural resources.

Yield Right of Way

All users yield to motor vehicles.

Hikers yield to horses.

Mountain bikes yield to all other user groups.

Protect Yourself and Others

Greet others on the road or trail. Let others know when you are overtaking them.

Pass horses only after rider tells you it is safe.

Control your speed. Slow down on blind curves.

Be able to stop in half the distance you can see.

Practice Good Stewardship

Leave research projects undisturbed. Traveling on unauthorized trails can disturb study sites and disrupt years of important research.

Respect private property and observe all posted signs. McDonald Forest is surrounded by many neighbors. Ask permissions from the owners before crossing their land.

Avoid disturbing wildlife. This saves animals from injury, but also protects research on wildlife behavior and habitat.